Consumer medicine information leaflet (CMI)

Developed by the pharmaceutical company responsible for this medicine in Australia, according to TGA regulations.

OMNISCAN™

Consumer Medicine Information

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet tells you about OMNISCAN™. The information in this leaflet applies only to OMNISCAN.

This leaflet answers some common questions about OMNISCAN. It does not contain all the available information about the product and is not intended to replace discussions you may wish to have with your doctor, radiologist or other health professional.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctors have weighed the risks of you being given this medicine against the benefits they expect it will have for you.

Please read this leaflet before you are given OMNISCAN.

If you have any questions, are not sure about anything or if you have any concerns about being given this medicine - ask your doctor, radiographer or nurse.

What OMNISCAN is used for

OMNISCAN is one of a group of medicines known as ‹contrast media› which are used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examinations.

OMNISCAN is used in MRI examinations of the brain or spine, as well as other parts of the body. OMNISCAN makes it easier to detect and locate changes and to improve the diagnostic information your radiologist needs.

How OMNISCAN works

MRI uses the magnetic properties of molecules in the body to “see” organs and other structures in the body and how they may have changed as a result of any condition you may have. OMNISCAN can greatly improve the clarity of the images the radiologist looks at to enable better, and more accurate, diagnosis of your condition.

How you will be given OMNISCAN

OMNISCAN will be injected into one of your veins usually as a single injection before or during your MRI examination. Occasionally, a second injection may be of additional diagnostic value.

The amount injected will depend upon your weight and what part of your body you are having examined. The usual dose is 0.2 mL/kg. Occasionally, a second dose of 0.4 mL/kg may be of additional diagnostic value. If you weigh more than 100 kg, you will normally receive 20 mL or, occasionally, a second dose of 40 mL.

During, and after, your examination

Usually, OMNISCAN does not cause any problems. It can, however, sometimes cause unwanted effects in some people. The most frequent effect is mild discomfort in the form of a sensation of warmth, cold, pressure or pain in the area around where the injection is given.

Although there is a risk that you might get an unwanted effect, your doctor will have chosen this ‹contrast medium› by considering these risks and the benefits of the examination.

If you get any of the following during, or after, the examination:

wheeziness, difficulty in breathing or tightness, pain in the chest or heart palpitations

skin rash, lumps, itchy throat or spots

a decrease in the amount of urine you pass, or a change in its colour- you should tell the doctor straight away.

Other unwanted effects which are unusual, but which may occur during, or after, the examination include:

a change in your sense of smell or taste

dizziness

headache

indigestion, nausea and/or vomiting

weakness or drowsiness

cramps in arms, legs, other muscles or joint pain

tingling sensations

hearing or sight problems

anxiety, trembling, convulsions

These effects are usually mild and of short duration. If they become severe, or last more than a few days, tell your doctor.

In patients with severely reduced renal function receiving OMNISCAN, a disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) has rarely been observed, days to weeks after the examination. NSF causes discolouration and thickening of the skin. NSF may be painful and may result in reduced joint mobility, muscle weakness or impairment of the function of internal organs which may potentially be life threatening.

If you experience any other unwanted effects, please tell your doctor.

If you are given too much OMNISCAN (overdose)

As OMNISCAN will be given to you by a qualified person familiar with the procedure, overdosage is very unlikely to occur. But, in the event this happens, qualified personnel are available and know what to do to handle such an occurrence.

Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the time of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice and should not be exclusively relied on to manage or diagnose a medical condition. NPS MedicineWise disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.